Iyanla

Iyanla Vanzant is an inspiration who is perhaps best known for her books like "One Day My Soul Just Opened Up" and her appearances on Oprah where she would say to audience members, "Save yourself!" as she told them to stop their self-sabotaging behaviors. She has lived what she teaches, having survived abusive relationships and behaved in very self-defeating ways. It is one thing to be preached to, and quite another to be scolded by a friend who knows what you are living through (because she has lived it herself) and has only your best interests in mind; there is no judgment and condemnation with Iyanla, only an honest and supportive shake to wake you up from any complacency or denial into which you may have settled.

Spiritual teachers who teach through humor and with love are the most effective (IMHO) because their methods nudge us through the winding paths and up the inclines without adding more pain and fear to the already challenging process of growth.

Iylanla's name may not be the easiest to say or remember, but the unusual people, places, and experiences are the ones who stay with us because they teach what we did not expect to learn, and those are the most valuable lessons of all.